This Big-Block Bronco was Purpose-Built for Speed

When it comes to building classic trucks, one of the biggest hurdles is finding a clean, undamaged, all-original example to use as a starting point. For Jeff Jensen of Littleton, Colorado, this was never a problem, since he had owned his 1968 Bronco since back in ’72. However, as time passed, the miles piled on, and the truck saw more and more replacement parts. In ’87, the 305,000-mile 170ci straight-six was replaced with a 200ci Ford mill, and in ’95 it was replaced yet again with a 302ci V-8. Soon after, Jeffrey picked up a copy of Hot Rod magazine, and the modifications to this once-stock Bronco truly began.

First on the chopping block was the engine. Even after two engine swaps, Jeffrey was never quite satisfied, so he added AC Cobra dual carburetors and an aggressive cam to the 302 motor, but even that wasn’t enough. After stumbling upon a 1978 Lincoln Continental in a storage yard, he picked it up for $300, and set about transplanting its massive 460ci big-block V-8 into the Bronco. Right off the bat, the block was bored, honed, and upgraded with Eagle rods, SRP pistons, and a Moroso oil pan. The Lincoln V-8 exhales freely, thanks to custom headers and a 3-inch side-exit exhaust. The Lincoln’s three-speed automatic was modified with a B&M shift kit and 3,000-stall converter to support the newfound power.

With the new engine mounted underhood, the rest of the 4WD Bronco’s drivetrain had to go. The front Dana 30 differential was gutted, and a tube axle was used to finalize the truck’s RWD conversion. Out back, Jeff narrowed a 9-inch rearend in his garage, then filled it with 33-spline axles, 4.56 gears, and a spool for maximum traction at the strip. Stability is provided by a front suspension transplanted, oddly enough, from a 1977 Pinto, as well as a rack-and-pinion conversion, custom-mounted rear coilovers, and a custom four-link. The truck’s original drum brakes were replaced with Jeep discs and custom-mounted Wilwood calipers, and 15-inch Centerline wheels with sticky Mickey Thompson tires were bolted to each corner. A ludicrous 19½ inches of tread on each rear tire allow the Bronco to hook up immediately despite the big-block’s mountains of torque.

Although the powerplant is clearly the star of this show, Jeff dressed up the remainder of the Bronco with a chopped top, spartan bare metal interior, and fresh coat of silver paint. Nevertheless, it’s easy to see that this Bronco was built for the drag strip, and Jeff has a blast every time the trees go green. He’d like to thank his wife, friends, and family for their support, as well as all the passersby for the positive feedback and encouraging comments over the years.